Developing democracy with urgency and resolve

The global political environment has become more fraught, and democracy is facing threats and pressures that were mostly unforeseen a decade ago, according to a new report. The field of democratic development has also changed, as practitioners have adapted to and learned from best practices and the evolving state of democracy, notes a new analysis of Canada’s international support for democratic development from the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development.

“Twelve years after the Committee recommended that Canada increase its support for democratic development internationally, it has reached the same conclusion, but with a heightened sense of urgency and resolve,” the report adds. “Engaging in the work of democratic development allows Canada to support like-minded partners, whether it be a government, parliament, institution, organization or individual.”

At the heart of democratic development remains the simple of idea of helping all citizens participate in the decision-making that affects their lives, the report states, adding that there are two general models for how Canada’s new institution could operate:

One would see the new institution act as a grant-providing entity, such the National Endowment for Democracy or UNDEF, funding projects around the world executed by other organizations, including both local groups in partner countries and other international and Canadian entities.

The other option would be to implement projects directly in the field, working alongside local partners, as is the case with the National Democratic Institute and the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD).

In his testimony, NED President Carl Gershman (left) described how NED’s grants-based approach allows it to be “nimble … acting swiftly, flexibly and effectively in providing vital assistance to activists working in the most challenging environments.”

NDI’s Derek Mitchell testified that NDI’s “50‑plus offices around the world” provide it with the “unique opportunity to take what we know of context on the ground, then feed what’s going on there back through Washington.” Thomas Axworthy, Public Policy Chair at the University of Toronto’s Massey College, made a similar argument when advocating that an envisioned new Canadian institution should set up field offices in key partner countries.

“You can’t make democracy work by having consultants come in and out,” Axworthy said. “You really need people on the ground.”

A new report released today by the Transatlantic Commission on Election Integrity (TCEI) and the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) praised Canada for the “positive and commendable steps” it has taken to safeguard its democratic process against foreign interference ahead of the federal election on October 21, CIGI reports:

The report, Election Risk Monitor: Canada, is part of a series of assessments being conducted by CIGI and the TCEI, a bi-partisan group launched by theAlliance of Democracies Foundation (below) to help prevent foreign interference in elections — leading up to and including the 2020 United States presidential election — amid growing evidence that foreign interference has influenced elections in several Western democracies in recent years.

Some authoritarian regimes are taking steps within the cultural sphere to “improve their international image,” said Christopher Walker, Vice President, Studies and Analysis, with the National Endowment for Democracy. Those regimes “have spent billions of dollars to shape public opinion and perceptions around the world, employing a diverse range of resources that includes cultural activities, educational programs, people-to-people exchanges and the development of media initiatives that have global reach,” he said in testimony to the committee. RTWT

Testimonials

Democracy Digest is an indispensable resource, providing valuable news and analysis on the challenges facing democrats and civil society, from authoritarian disinformation and kleptocracy to strategies for democratic renewal.

Democracy Digest is an essential source for analysis of modern dictatorship, identifying democracy’s adversaries, while explaining their techniques and the threats they pose. It is essential reading for anyone who cares about the future of freedom.

At a time of authoritarian resurgence and democratic regression, Democracy Digest is a vital asset, blending news and analysis to inform and inspire the struggle for liberty. A must-read and welcome item in any inbox.